Madrid's Casillas pays tribute to 'kings of Europe'

Captain Iker Casillas reflected on "a great privilege" after helping Real Madrid CF to a tenth European Cup triumph – the goalkeeper's third – with a 4-1 extra-time victory against Club Atlético de Madrid in Lisbon, a result that makes Carlo Ancelotti's side "kings of Europe" having been just two minutes from defeat before Sergio Ramos's equaliser.

Man of the match Ángel Di María, back at the ground he graced with SL Benfica, was relieved as "enormous sacrifices" paved the way for the fulfillment of a childhood dreams while substitute Marcelo, scorer of the third goal that removed all doubt, pointed out that "the fellowship of the players is fundamental".

Iker Casillas, Madrid captainIt's an incredible joy; after such a long time, a lot of emotions run through your head. It is a great privilege to make millions of people happy; not only the people who came here to Lisbon, but also the people watching it on television and in all countries. For the effort we've put in, I think we deserve to be kings of Europe: ten times European champions, I think that's something incredible. After being close for three years, but just shy of playing in a final, justice is here now; we've suffered and showed courage, devotion, strength, and we didn't give up. It's been a tremendous final and season, delightful, even though we went through the mill; but Madrid deserve it.

The goal we conceded was an absurd goal. It brought us down a bit, because as a team you feel very responsible for it, and you see that the team, as much as you want them to, doesn't respond. But that's football, and in the 90th minute, in injury time [Madrid equalised]. In the end, the [equaliser] was a fair result, and it took us into extra time. Madrid were hurting physically in that extra time, but I also think we were superior to Atlético Madrid. In the end [we] are the deserved winners of this European trophy.

Ángel Di María, man of the matchFor me, it's fantastic to have won the tenth cup for Real Madrid. It's a dream I've had since I was a small kid, we've managed it and I'm very happy. We've worked very hard all year long; we lost the league and we could have had three titles, but I'm very happy for the team. We've made enormous sacrifices and we've achieved what we wanted.

I really felt at home in Lisbon; I did great things in this stadium, that allowed me to play for Real Madrid, so it was a pleasure to come back and play here. What makes me even more happy is that we've won the Champions League.

Marcelo, Madrid goalscorerIt is an unexplainable feeling. We are all very happy. We had to wait to win the 'Décima'. We have suffered, we have sacrificed a lot. The fellowship of all players has been fundamental. The fans deserve to celebrate the 'Décima'. We have not lost faith. Real Madrid always fights to the end. In no time we stopped believing that we could win the 'Décima'. Carlo Ancelotti is very good coach and deserves this win.

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